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Helpful Tips for Getting Through Shedding Season

October 01, 2015

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The changing of the leaves, that first crisp, cool breeze, and the scents of pumpkin, apple, and caramel all have a whimsical charm. For pet parents, however, fall also brings some less pleasant things with it. Many pets shed heavily in fall, as they start growing their winter coats. A local Fort Collins, CO vet offers some advice on managing your pet’s shedding in this article.

Regular Grooming

Regular brushing is one way to help control your furball’s shedding. While it won’t reduce the amount of fur your pet loses, it will trap that dead hair in the brush. The more fur you get with a brush, the less you’ll find stuck to your clothes and furniture! Choosing the right tools is very important: different types of fur need different types of brushes. A shedding blade, for instance, may work on some pets, but a simple brush may be better for others. Ask your vet or groomer for recommendations.

Housecleaning Hacks

Did you know that a squeegee is great for removing pet fur from furniture? A dry kitchen sponge can also be very effective. Another way to manage your pet’s fur is to use washable furniture covers, at least during peak shedding times. Look for something that is easy to slip on and off.

Other Tips

Pets that go outdoors tend to shed more than those that spend most of their time indoors. This is because being outside exposes your furry friend to the seasonal weather changes that trigger shedding cycles. There’s no way to avoid walking your dog, of course, but kitties can stay inside. Fluffy’s also safer indoors, so this is a win-win solution!

Diet

Proper nutrition is crucial to your furbaby’s health. A good, high-quality diet will help keep your pet’s fur shiny and healthy, and may reduce shedding. Ask your vet for specific recommendations, including supplements.

Keeping Your Clothes Fur-Free

When it comes to removing fur from your clothes, a good lint roller may be your best friend. Another thing you can try is wrapping duct tape around your hand, sticky side out, and use that. Or, simply dampen the palm of your hand, and wipe your clothes off that way.

Do you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health? Call us, your local Fort Collins, CO veterinary clinic, anytime!